Islamabad: In a thrilling encounter at Multan Cricket Stadium, the Multan Sultans brought an end to the Quetta Gladiators’ three-match winning streak in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9. Mohammad Rizwan’s team displayed exceptional bowling prowess to defend the target of 181 runs, clinching victory by 13 runs.
The Gladiators faced a sluggish start during the chase, managing only eight runs in the first two overs against the formidable bowling duo of Mohammad Ali and David Willey. The early departure of Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel further hampered their progress, leaving the team at 42-2. Despite a resilient partnership between skipper Rilee Rossouw and Khawaja Nafay, the Gladiators struggled to maintain momentum after Rossouw’s dismissal.
Ultimately, the Gladiators could only muster 167 runs in their allotted overs, falling short of the target set by the Sultans.
In their innings, the Sultans commenced with aggression, with opener Usman Khan providing a quick start with three boundaries off Akeal Hosein in the first over. However, Khan’s dismissal in the third over did not deter the Sultans’ spirit. Captain Mohammad Rizwan played a pivotal role, forming a crucial partnership with Hendricks, who contributed a remarkable 72 runs off 47 balls.
Despite Quetta’s efforts, Hendricks and Tahir’s exceptional batting display in the last four overs propelled the Sultans to a competitive total. Hendricks’ impressive innings, coupled with Tahir’s unbeaten 35 runs, ensured a formidable challenge for the Gladiators.
Notably, the match witnessed a concerning moment when a delivery struck Quetta’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed’s head, leading to his replacement by Mohammad Sajjad as a concussion substitute.
Overall, the clash between the Multan Sultans and the Quetta Gladiators showcased the competitive spirit and skillful performances emblematic of the Pakistan Super League.
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